Counter current temperature control configuration

ABSTRACT

The present invention provide for methods and apparatus for temperature control of material reactions that take place in a defined area. Exemplary areas comprise the inside of a vessel or a material processing passage defined by a rotor and stator, for example. Control of temperature of material reactions in the area is provided by a counter-current flow/configuration of fluid which conducts energy, such as heat, to and/or from the area/space in which the material reactions take place.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/584,761 (Attorney Docket No. 58035.013300), entitled “Counter Current Temperature Control Configuration,” filed on Aug. 20, 2004. The contents of that application are incorporated expressly by reference herein, as if fully set forth and full Paris Convention Priority is hereby expressly claimed.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

The disclosure is concerned with methods and apparatus for materials processing involving a chemical and/or a physical action(s) or reaction(s) of a component or between components.

More particularly, the present disclosure relates to methods and apparatus for controlling temperature ranges of material processing provided by an apparatus and methods associated therewith.

GENERAL BACKGROUND AND THE PRIOR ART

In general, one exemplary apparatus for materials processing consists of coaxial cylinders that rotate relative to one another about a common axis, materials to be processed being fed into the annular space between the cylinders. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,370,999, issued Dec. 6, 1994 to Colorado State University Research Foundation discloses processes for the high shear processing of a fibrous biomass by injecting a slurry thereof into a turbulent Couette flow created in a “high-frequency rotor-stator device,” this device having an annular chamber containing a fixed stator equipped with a coaxial toothed ring cooperating with an opposed coaxial toothed ring coupled to the rotor. While technically distinct from the teachings of the present disclosure, it certainly underscores the need for the present disclosure.

Likewise, U.S. Pat. No. 5,340,891; issued Aug. 23, 1994 to Nippon Paint Co., Ltd. discloses processes for continuous emulsion polymerization in which a solution containing the polymerizable material is fed to the annular space between coaxial relatively rotatable cylinders under conditions such that Taylor vortices are formed, whereby a desired complete mixing condition is obtained, however it is once again an alternate approach which merely highlights the long unrequited need for the objects of the present invention.

Commonly assigned U.S. Pat. No. 5,279,463; which issued Jan. 18, 1994) and U.S. Pat. No. 5,538,191; which issued Jul. 23, 1996, disclose methods and apparatus for high-shear material treatment, one type of the apparatus consisting of a rotor rotating within a stator to provide an annular flow passage comprising a flow path containing a high-shear treatment zone in which the passage spacing is smaller than in the remainder of the zone to provide a subsidiary higher-shear treatment zone in which free supra-Kolmogoroff eddies are suppressed during passage of the material therethrough.

In these and other known material processing apparatuses, the methods by which temperature control is achieved and maintained typically result in non-homogenous “zones” wherein material processing may be exposed to temperatures that may not necessarily be consistent throughout a material processing space/area. Additionally, apparatus that provide for temperature control of zones of a vessel/container, would be useful, and address—or at least be directed toward longstanding needs in the instant field of art.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

Briefly stated, for methods and apparatus for temperature control of material reactions that take place in a defined area. Exemplary areas comprise the inside of a vessel or a material processing passage defined by a rotor and stator, for example. Control of temperature of material reactions in the area is provided by a counter-current flow/configuration of fluid which conducts energy, such as heat, to and/or from the area/space in which the material reactions take place.

According to a feature of the present disclosure, there is provided, a counter current control apparatus is provided that is comprised of a jacket, at least two conduits and associated ingress and egress points.

In another aspect, the present disclosure provides temperature control by the adjacent counter current flow of at least 2 fluids adjacent the provided jacket, one fluid having a different temperature from the other.

In one exemplary embodiment, the conduits are formed at least in part by a stator/outer cylinder portion of a material processing apparatus. A rotor/inner cylinder portion is provided within the stator/outer cylinder portion, thereby providing an area for material passage and/or processing.

In still another aspect, the present disclosure provides for a method by which material processing temperature control is achieved via a counter current flow of fluid, provided by the apparatus' configuration. Exemplary material processing areas can be provided by a vessel/container and/or a material processing passage provided by a stator and rotor, as known in the art.

In particular configurations, the apparatus provides for the control of temperature in a vessel/container in which material processing can take place, the vessel/container being surrounded by the apparatus described in the present disclosure. That is, the vessel is contained within an inner space defined by a cylinder of the present apparatus.

According to features of the present disclosure there are provided apparatus for controlling temperature of a material reaction, comprising, in combination, a cylinder portion having inner and outer portions, wherein said outer portion is configured to provide for counter-current flow of fluid having a desired temperature, a jacket portion enclosing said cylinder portion, a pump that provides pressure to conducting portions to conduct said fluid to and from said apparatus and at least one of a fluid heater and fluid cooler, wherein said fluid flows circumferentially and in a counter-current flow.

According to yet still further features of the present invention there are provided method for providing energy, comprising, in combination, the steps of, providing an apparatus having counter-current fluid flow wherein said apparatus includes a cylinder portion having inner and outer portions, wherein said outer portion is configured to provide for counter-current flow of fluid having a desired temperature, a jacket portion enclosing said cylinder portion; and conducting portions that conduct said fluid to and from said apparatus and at least one of a fluid heater and fluid cooler, providing a material processing area, said area being adjacent said apparatus, activating said at least one of a fluid heater and fluid cooler to heat or cool said fluid.

Likewise contemplated is the process of pumping said fluid to said apparatus, wherein said fluid flows in a counter-current fashion and transmits energy to and/or from said adjacent material processing area.

An additional feature of the present invention is a novel enhanced counter current temperature control configuration, comprising, in combination, a cylindrical member having inner and outer portions, wherein the outer portion is configured to provide for counter-current flow of fluid having a desired temperature, a modular jacket assembly enclosing said cylinder portion; and a pump that provides pressure to conducting portions to conduct said fluid to and from said apparatus and at least one of a fluid heater and fluid cooler, wherein said fluid flows circumferentially and in a counter-current flow.

In still other embodiments, the apparatus taught herein may be utilized to control and provide for desired temperature in a vessel/container, in which material processing can take place, the apparatus being surrounded by the vessel/container. That is, an inverted configuration of the exemplary embodiment described herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is another perspective view of an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 3 is still another perspective view of an exemplary embodiment; and

FIG. 4 depicts exemplary manifolds;

FIG. 5 is a view of a clamp type embodiment which comprises of elements to seal the components together as one unit;

FIG. 6 is a view which shows the counter flow paths of the grooves machined inside the counterflow embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a view that shows a counterflow configuration on a flat surface view to highlight the flow paths with a series of arrows going in two different directions; and

FIG. 8 is a section through the embodiment showing the components and one of the flow path grooves.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

Descriptions of exemplary embodiments of the disclosure are provided and reference made to the accompanying figures which form the part thereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration of specific embodiments in which the disclosure may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural and functional changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

The foregoing is a description of preferred embodiments and has been presented for the purpose of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention as claimed to the precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in the light of the above teachings provided herein.

Turning to FIG. 1, an exemplary apparatus is depicted. It is to be understood that in this particular embodiment, outer cylinder portion 12 is comprised of conduits 30, that are at least in part defined by recessed portions and portions that are substantially even in height to the outer diameter of outer cylinder portion 12. Conduits 30, are at least in part defined by walls 34. The height of walls 34 are substantially up to the height of the outer surface 40 of outer cylinder portion 12, conduits 30 having been typically cut/carved out of outer cylinder portion 12 in a circumferential and counter-current, spiral manner.

In particular embodiments, conduits 30 support tubing of appropriate sizes to fit into conduits 30, to provide countercurrent flow of fluids having differing temperatures. In other embodiments, tubes are not utilized and counter-current fluid flow is provided by fluid flowing through conduits 30 themselves in a counter current manner.

Suitable fluids for energy transfer (i.e. heat) relative to the temperature range required can be used. Exemplary fluids include, but are not limited to water, water and ethylene glycol mix, oils, heat transfer oils, alcohols and other suitable fluids.

As shown in the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2, a jacket is also provided. Here, the jacket is provided comprising two halves, a first jacket portion 2 and a second jacket portion 10, that when joined together utilizing exemplary fastening means, (bolts 4 through corresponding extensions 28 of jacket portions 2 and 10) envelope outer cylinder portion 12 and form a portion (here, upper wall portions) of conduits 30. Additionally, the jacket stabilizes and secures outer cylinder portion 12. The jacket can be a whole (1-piece) continuous cylinder, which fits over the cylinder 50.

One or both of cylinder 50 and jacket can be comprised of various energy conductive material materials such as, but not limited to, stainless steel, titanium, copper, aluminum, metal alloys having various composition as well as ceramics and metal containing ceramics.

In one embodiment, cylinder 50 can be shrunk fit into a vessel or body to be heated and or cooled by fluid of a selected temperature flowing through conduits 30. Another embodiment has a split section along the annular length which may be clamped tightly around the vessel or member to be heated or cooled. This method is easier to remove for maintenance purposes.

In one embodiment, and as seen in FIGS. 1-3, jacket portions 2 and 10 are adjacent manifolds 8 and 6 that join up fluid flow from two tubes (not shown) that are held tight in grooves 14 in a counter flow fashion. Manifolds 6 and 8 can be comprised of stainless steel, titanium, copper, aluminum, metal alloys having various compositions as well as ceramics and metal containing ceramics. Two tubes are affixed to manifolds 8 and 6 which connect tubes (not shown) wound around the grooves 14 and are welded or affixed in holes 16. For example, the end of each small manifold 6 there is a larger feed hole 75 which is a primary fluid feed entry and exit. Feed holes 75 are connected/welded/screwed (as applicable) to feed pipes from a heating or cooling source. Manifold 8 is the feed to both counterflow tubes or grooves and manifold 6 is the exit flow from both counterflow tubes or grooves, collects fluid exiting the counter flow system and returns it to a temperature controlled fluid pumping system (not shown).

As stated above, manifolds 6 and 8 are small connector manifolds that join up to balance out the inlet and outlet flow. Each manifold has two smaller apertures drilled from the outside diameter which cross into an inner channel which enters or exits a larger aperture for fluid conduction in or out of the embodiment, more particularly into or out of the tubes or conduits 30 provided in the counter-current spiral configuration described above and depicted in the Figures. While two apertures are exemplarily depicted, any number of useful apertures and manifold configuration may be utilized in accordance with the teachings presented herein.

Furthermore, ingress and egress areas are also at least in part (or in whole) provided by the jacket. As shown in the exemplary embodiment depicted, counter current flow of two fluids, here shown as 30 and 14 (varying shades of gray), proceeds along an axis defined by the jacket and outer cylinder portion 12. Focusing on the progress of the fluid as an example, in FIG. 1, when both halves of the jacket (2 and 10) come together, a first cut-out portion 20 of the first jacket portion 2 aligns with a corresponding cut-out portion 24 of second jacket portion 10, resultantly defining an ingress or egress point, as desired, into or out of which a fluid may flow. A similar arrangement is provided at the other end for another fluid, by cutouts 24 and 47. Likewise ingress/egress areas are provided for the second fluid, represented here by 30.

Upon such enclosure of outer cylinder portion 12 by the jacket, conduits that are adjacent to one another are provided along the axis of the apparatus, in spiral counter-current configuration. As an example, one conduit conducts fluid in a clockwise manner while the conduit adjacent thereto conducts fluid in a counter-clockwise manner. As shown, two conduits are provided, wherein two fluids may flow in a counter-current fashion. Of course, the fluid may also flow in the same direction if a gradation of heating or cooling is desired.

In particular embodiments, copper and/or stainless steel tubes, two for example, are wound around the outer surface 40 of outer cylinder portion 12 in opposing directions. As previously stated, any useful alloy that provides required conduction of energy to and/or from a material processing area, may be utilized. These are held tight and in place against the grooved cylinder 50 by the jacket portions 2 and 10.

In additional embodiments, opposing grooves cut around the outside of the grooved cylinder 50 in a counter flow manner, are provided, such that the cylinder 50 fits over a vessel to be heated. This embodiment then covered with a tight fitting sleeve that may be shrunk onto the tubular embodiment, welded in place or slid on over suitable ring seals, for example, in order to facilitate cleaning/maintenance, if needed.

Referring now to FIG. 5 through FIG. 8, schematics details operation of the present disclosure as would be known to those skilled in the art. FIG. 5 shows jacket is provided comprising two halves, a first jacket portion 2 and a second jacket portion 10, that when joined together utilizing exemplary fastening means, (bolts 4 through corresponding extensions 28 of jacket portions 2 and 10 envelope outer cylinder portion 12 and form a portion (here, upper wall portions) of conduits 30. Additionally, the jacket stabilizes and secures outer cylinder portion 12.

The details for flow are provided in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, with ingress and egress in FIG. 8. With respect to FIG. 7, and those illustrating the corners of milled grooves of the present disclosure, while the illustrations are schematic, those skilled in the art understand that radiused corners are preferred, and anything planar is rounded or smoothed in accordance with the discussed and disclosed embodiments.” 3

Those skilled will understand that the unique method of providing a modular apparatus having counter-current fluid flow wherein said apparatus includes a cylinder portion having inner and outer portions, wherein said outer portion is configured to provide for counter-current flow of fluid having a desired temperature, a jacket portion enclosing said cylinder portion; and conducting portions that conduct said fluid to and from said apparatus and at least one of a fluid heater and fluid cooler, providing a material processing area, said area being adjacent to and in fluid communication with said apparatus, activating said at least one of a fluid heater and fluid cooler to heat or cool said fluid, and pumping said fluid to said apparatus, wherein said fluid flows in a counter-current fashion and transmits energy to and/or from said adjacent material processing area.

It may be desirable for a user to provide a jump and/or drop in temperature along a certain point of the apparatus. In one example, outer jackets 2 and 10, which form an outer tubular sleeve and internal grooved sleeve 50 may be a continuous tube or a split tube which can be clamped or welded in place. Small connector flow tubes are welded to the outside tubular sleeve at locations corresponding to the start and finish of each groove, by means of a hole drilled through the outer tubular sleeve, which will line up with the start and finish of the various grooves, to allow fluid to be pumped into and out of each channel groove, as shown in the figures.

In particular configurations, fluids having differing temperatures are introduced along the axis of the apparatus at different points relative to the independent grooves or channels. This allows for a hot-cold-hot profile, for example, if desired. Any number of temperature configurations are possible along the axis of the apparatus, for example a hot-cold-hot-hot-cold-cold-hot profile, or any permutation of profiles desired by a user for a particular application. It should also be noted that the width/dimensions of the various grooves may be varied in order to provide for a particularly sized temperature zone. For example, grooves supporting tubes/conduction of “hot” fluid may be three inches wide, along the long axis of the apparatus, while grooves supporting tubes/conduction of “cold” fluid are only one inch wide. Of course any useful variation of such a configuration is also within the scope of the present disclosure.

In other exemplary embodiments, fluid having a temperature may be introduced and conducted around outer cylinder portion 12 in a counter current manner, thus providing a more consistent temperature/flow of energy to or from and along a reaction area. Such a reaction area may be defined by a vessel in which material processing is taking place and around which the apparatus disclosed herein surrounds. As mentioned previously, the apparatus in accordance with the teachings provided herein may be provided in an opposite/inverted configuration, that is, the vessel may surround the apparatus described herein.

Such configurations provide for a means of temperature control that can also be utilized on flat surfaces or geometric shaped members.

It should be noted that the terms “hot” and “cold” are exemplary, and that fluids having differing temperatures from one another are contemplated and useful in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure.

Into inner cylinder portion 18 a rotor/inner cylinder may be placed, in accordance with the disclosures of the issued patents cited herein, for example to provide a particular rotor/stator configurations having counter current flow of a fluid providing transfer of heat/energy to or from a material processing passage.

It is to be noted that the present disclosure provides teachings for apparatus and methods for the transfer of energy to, as well as from material processing reactions.

All references/documents cited in this disclosure are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety.

While particular exemplary embodiments have been chosen to illustrate the teachings of the invention, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention. 

1. An apparatus for controlling temperature of a material reaction, comprising; a cylinder portion having inner and outer portions, wherein said outer portion is configured to provide for counter-current flow of fluid having a desired temperature; a jacket portion enclosing said cylinder portion; and a pump that provides pressure to conducting portions to conduct said fluid to and from said apparatus and at least one of a fluid heater and fluid cooler, wherein said fluid flows circumferentially and in a counter-current flow.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said outer portion has circumferential grooves.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein said circumferential grooves define conduits for counter-current fluid flow of fluid introduced thereto.
 4. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein said circumferential grooves provide for support for tubes that define conduits for counter-current fluid flow of fluid contained therein.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said conducting portions include at least one manifold.
 6. A method for providing energy, which comprises the steps of: providing an modular apparatus having counter-current fluid flow wherein said apparatus includes a cylinder portion having inner and outer portions, wherein said outer portion is configured to provide for counter-current flow of fluid having a desired temperature, a jacket portion enclosing said cylinder portion; and conducting portions that conduct said fluid to and from said apparatus and at least one of a fluid heater and fluid cooler; providing a material processing area, said area being adjacent to and in fluid communication with said apparatus; activating said at least one of a fluid heater and fluid cooler to heat or cool said fluid; pumping said fluid to said apparatus, wherein said fluid flows in a counter-current fashion and transmits energy to and/or from said adjacent material processing area.
 7. A method for providing energy, comprising, in combination, the steps of: providing an apparatus having counter-current fluid flow wherein said apparatus includes a cylinder portion having inner and outer portions, wherein said outer portion is configured to provide for counter-current flow of fluid having a desired temperature, a jacket portion enclosing said cylinder portion; and conducting portions that conduct said fluid to and from said apparatus and at least one of a fluid heater and fluid cooler, providing a material processing area, said area being adjacent said apparatus, activating said at least one of a fluid heater and fluid cooler to heat or cool said fluid, pumping said fluid to said apparatus, wherein said fluid flows in a counter-current fashion and transmits energy to and/or from said adjacent material processing area.
 8. A novel enhanced counter current temperature control configuration, comprising, in combination: a cylindrical member having inner and outer portions, wherein the outer portion is configured to provide for counter-current flow of fluid having a desired temperature; a modular jacket assembly enclosing said cylinder portion; and a pump that provides pressure to conducting portions to conduct said fluid to and from said apparatus and at least one of a fluid heater and fluid cooler, wherein said fluid flows circumferentially and in a counter-current flow. 